What’s on at Innerpeffray
The Library runs events throughout the year: exhibitions from the collection, talks and workshops inspired by the Library, and music and social events to raise funds for running costs and special projects. Find all the dates for your diary and a downloadable copy of our Footnotes newsletter on this page.
If you are not able to visit us, we have a selection of videos to enjoy from your armchair on our website, bringing alive the collection with our Keeper of Books and Volunteers.
For tickets: Book online via the links given below, or tel. 01764 652819 / email info(at)innerpeffraylibrary.co.uk
Dates for Your Diary
| Thurs 29th Oct, 7pm | The Law and Criminal Insanity: Sheriff Principal Gillian Wade KC. In 2026, the Library was delighted to add two pocket watches with connections to the Drummond family to its collection. One of these also bears a historic connection to the first legal case which defined the defence of insanity in English law in 1843. Tickets £10, book here. |
| Fri 6 & Sat 7 Nov, 10am-4pm | Innerpeffray Festive Fayre. A chance to browse unique, bookish gifts inspired by the Library’s collection in the Schoolroom at Innerpeffray. A range of carefully curated arts and crafts by local artisans will also be available, so come prepared to shop! |
| Sun 7th Nov, 2-4pm | Book Launch: ‘Mother Tongues’ by Jennie Turnbull. Join Innerpeffray’s poet-in-residence, Jennie Turnbull for the launch of her wonderful new collection of poetry, ‘Mother Tongues’, published by Seahorse Publications. “These are poems of displacement, isolation, and love, spanning countries, languages, and generations.” Morag Anderson Free to attend, books available to buy on the day. |
| Sun 15th Nov, 7pm | Nunkie Theatre presents Dead Men’s Eyes: Ghost Stories by M.R. James. Master storyteller Robert Lloyd Parry of Nunkie Theatre returns for another night of pleasing terror. Two tales of the restless dead, by the master of the English ghost story. Suitable for ages 14+. This performance begins promptly at 7pm – no late entry. Tickets £20, book here. |
| Sat 21st & Sun 22nd Nov, 2.30-5pm | Wreath-Making Workshops. Come and learn how to make a spectacular natural festive wreath using locally gathered seasonal plants. Led by Gwyneth Hardy, who was executive producer of the Beechgrove Gardens for 30 years. Workshop places £35, book here. LAST FEW TICKETS AVAILABLE! |
| Wed 25th Nov, 1pm | Annual General Meeting of the Governors of the Innerpeffray Mortification Scottish Charity SC013843. An open meeting to review the activities and accounts for the Library for the year ended 31st December 2025. All welcome. |
| Sun 29th Nov 3pm Sun 6th Dec 3pm | Words and Music For Christmas in the Library Join Joan Taylor and friends for music and readings with a Victorian Christmas theme. Tickets now available priced £15. Carols at Innerpeffray in the Chapel Join us for the 25th anniversary concert of this Innerpeffray festive institution. Carols and readings from the Innerpeffray Singers and guests, led by Joan Taylor. Tickets now available £15 for adults, £5 for under 16s and free (but please book a seat) for under 4s. |
2026 Exhibition – Signs of the Times
Our exhibition in 2026 explores the myriad uses of signs and symbols within the books of our collection. From books on mysterious subjects such as heraldry, emblems and allegory, to the history of printers’ marks and fine decorative bindings, this exhibition will be a real visual delight.
Download our latest newsletter below:
Browse the Books : Library of Innerpeffray Catalogue Launch
Scotland’s first, free, public lending library was delighted to launch its new catalogue in 2025. Join our team and our special guests Richard Ovenden, Bodley’s Librarian, and author Sir Alexander McCall Smith for an introduction to Innerpeffray and its collections, a short guide to searching the catalogue and a chance to ask questions about the collection and the catalogue. Watch the launch recording here.
Innerpeffray’s collection includes rare books from the founding of the Library in 1680 including around 500 books from Founder’s collection and many more added in the 18th century when the new library building was established. There are novels and journals bought in the 19th century, as well as more recent additions. The catalogue will enable you to search, for the first time, the Scottish Collection of first editions donated by Janet Burns Saint Germain in 2013.
Although you can’t borrow books at Innerpeffray any more, all books in the collection and exhibitions are available to read, so please do ask if you have an interest in a particular subject. Only our very fragile books are exceptions to this and our guides are always happy to assist.
In the schoolroom
Free entry, open during usual Library opening hours. Self-service Teas, Coffees and Hot Chocolate available, and pre-loved books for sale (unstaffed, with an honesty box system). Please note the schoolroom may be closed to accommodate private bookings and events, do call to check to avoid disappointment.
Private Bookings, Weddings, Special Events
If you would like to hold a private event at the Library, Schoolroom or both please do get in touch. We are delighted to hold book launches, weddings, birthday treats and private tours outwith opening hours.